1. What is the research study about?
Historically, embryology was taught using fetal and embryological collections (FECs). These collections that exist all around in the world, are not only historical artefacts, but prized resources for education and research.
As alternative resources continue to influence embryology education such as animated videos, digital histological slides, 3-Dimensional (3D) and 4-Dimensional (4D) virtual and print models, several questions arise on the existence and present need for FECs. There is little information however on who has access to the collections, the purpose of the collections, the origin of the specimens, and the current state the specimens are in.
This is of particular concern since no agreed guidelines exist on oversight and care of these collections especially given that most specimens would have been obtained before informed consent was required and are likely from marginalised individuals.
From a sustainable development perspective, there is a need to understand factors that drive stakeholder perceptions toward FECs in order to determine the most appropriate guidelines for its use. Therefore, this research study aims to determine the differences in geographic and cultural perceptions (including perceived value) towards fetal and embryological collections, and their current use for education and research.
2. Who is conducting this research?
The study is being carried out by the following researchers: Professor Nalini Pather (UNSW), Miss Joyce El-Haddad (UNSW), and Professor Goran Štrkalj (Flinders University). Joyce is a PhD candidate at UNSW.
3. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
Before you decide to participate in this research study, we need to ensure that it is ok for you to take part. The research study is looking recruit people who meet the following criteria:
• Engaged as an academic at a university in anatomy, medicine, health, or science education
• Engaged as a professional staff member at an anatomy or pathology university laboratory
• Engaged as a student at a university in anatomy, medicine, health, or science education
• is a medical/health professional
4. Do I have to take part in this research study?
Participation in any research study is voluntary. If you do not want to take part, you do not have to.
If you decide you want to take part in the research study, you will be asked to:
• Read the information carefully (ask questions if necessary);
• Complete the online questionnaire.
Please feel free to forward the survey to people at their institution that may be appropriate to complete the survey.
5. What does participation in this research require, and are there any risks involved?
If you decide to take part in the research study, we will ask you to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask you questions about demographic information e.g., age, gender, educational experience, and questions on attitudes towards usefulness of FECs, and current and future use of FECs. It should take approximately 25 minutes to complete.
If you experience discomfort or feelings of distress while participating in the research and you require support, you can stop participating at any time. You can also tell a member of the research team.
6. What are the possible benefits to participation?
We hope to use information we get from this research study to determine stakeholder: a. attitudes towards the existence of FECs
b. attitudes on requirements for establishing new FECs
c. factors that influence attitudes towards FECs
7. What will happen to information about me?
This survey is completely anonymous.
The research team will store the data collected from you for this research project for:
• A minimum of 7 years after the completion of the research
The information obtained will be stored in a:
• Format where the name of your institution will be replaced with a unique code for the purpose of data analysis. This information will not be available to anyone beyond the research team.
8. How and when will I find out what the results of the research study are?
The research team intend to publish and/or report the results of the research. All Information will be published in a way that will not identify you or your institution.
9. What if I want to withdraw from the research study?
If you do consent to participate, you may withdraw at any time up until you click on the button to submit the survey. You can do this by closing the questionnaire. If you withdraw from the research, we will destroy any information that has been collected. Once you have submitted the questionnaire however, we will not be able to withdraw your responses as the questionnaire is anonymous, and we will not be able to identify your submission.
The information you provide is personal information for the purposes of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW). You have the right of access to personal information held about you by the University, the right to request correction and amendment of it, and the right to make a compliant about a breach of the Information Protection Principles as contained in the PPIP Act. Further information on how the University protects personal information is available in the UNSW Privacy Management Plan.
10. What should I do if I have further questions about my involvement in the research study?
The person you may need to contact will depend on the nature of your query.
If you require further information regarding this study or if you have any problems which may be related to your involvement in the study, you can contact the following member/s of the research team:
Research Team Contact
Name: Professor Nalini Pather
Position Professor, Anatomy
Telephone 02 9065 1340
Email n.pather@unsw.edu.au
What if I have a complaint or any concerns about the research study?
If you have a complaint regarding any aspect of the study or the way it is being conducted, please contact the UNSW Human Ethics Coordinator:
Complaints Contact
Position Human Research Ethics Coordinator
Telephone + 61 2 9385 6222
Email humanethics@unsw.edu.au
HC Reference Number HC220130